Top Ten Tips When Considering Your Moving Company

Packing up your precious belongings to move to a new place is a very stressful time. The amount of stuff to be loaded, especially the large and valuable items, make it a lot more daunting. Even if you’re moving to a new house, the excitement is shrouded with a little bit of anxiety because it has never been easy for anyone to transfer homes.

When it comes to moving, you don’t just transfer material belongings, but you pack up years worth of history and memories. You want to make sure that your belongings get safely to your new place, with no broken or missing items when you finally unload and fix them in your destination. If you want a worry-free move, then it is best to let the professionals do the literal heavy lifting for you.

Some people want to scrimp on hiring moving services because of the cost. But think about it, moving by yourself can lead to stress and predispose you to injury with a pulled back and strained muscles. Since this Is not your area of expertise, plus the fact that you are short on manpower and equipment, the move will take much longer to finish.

Choosing to hire a moving company is actually more cost-effective in the long run because they have the know-how, skills, and equipment to get things done quickly and efficiently. Opting for this kind of service will save from all the stress and hassle of moving, so when you get to your new place, you can concentrate on the more important aspect of decorating and making your new abode comfy and beautiful. Consider the following things below when you are in the process of hiring your moving company:

Top tips when considering mot cost effective moving company from your local moving company.

Research the Company

With so many moving services in your area, how do you know which one is the right one to hire? If you want to avoid possible issues, scams, or questionable practices, it is critical to do your due diligence by researching the company and by staying on top of the entire moving process.

It is still best if you find your movers through referral from friends and family. That way, you can be sure that the movers are indeed a legitimate operation. If you no one in your network is willing to make a recommendation, then you have to dig up more information by yourself.

With the advent of technology, you can now easily search online about the reputation of the moving company you are thinking of hiring. Check out their website quality and read the testimonials. On top of that, search for third party reviews regarding the services of the movers.

Avoid Companies that Have Changed Their Names

It is best to stay away from companies that have several noted name changes because they don’t want to be assessed by the Better Business Bureau. A legitimate company will be duly registered, licensed, and possess all the necessary permits. They will have an official local address and a company phone. If you want to go the extra mile, check for complaints at the consumer hotline of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Verify if the company belongs to the American Moving and Storage Association and state associations of movers.

Compare and Contrast

After fielding the possible list of candidates, call each moving company to get a feel of what their operations are like. Usually, you can tell a lot already by how they handle their phone customer service. Are they helpful and willing to give you all the information that you need?

Ask them to give you references or names of people they have worked with. Inquire about ballpark rates for the services that you need. A legitimate company will be willing to give you a reasonable estimate after you tell them details like distance, how much you want to move, and what possible trucks you may need.

Ask for a Meeting

Once you have narrowed down the possible candidates, it is vital to ask for a meeting. You can choose to do it in your house, so they can give you their actual rate. If you’re alone and live in apartment, it may be prudent to ask someone to be there with you just to be safe. Ask them directly about the permits and licenses that the moving company has. A company that is legit will have no trouble showing you the paper work that you want see.

Put the Details Down in Black and White

A professional company will be willing to put whatever they will do for you on paper. This detailed account is for both your protection. It will cover the terms of service, what they will provide for you and what you can expect them to commit. At this point, don’t forget to ask about insurance. A trustworthy company will have insurance coverage.

Moving people’s stuff is a risky business. Things beyond anyone’s control can happen along the way. The moving truck may encounter an accident, important stuff inside the van may break due to a sudden stop, or things can be accidentally dropped while they are bringing it inside your new house. There are many possible scenarios that need insurance protection. You have to ensure that the moving services company you hire has this.

Make a Moving Inventory

A reputable moving company will make a detailed list or inventory of your belongings, along with its corresponding bulk and weight before the day of the big move. The employee that conducts the estimates via a walk through must be thorough and check all the nooks and crannies of your home. Take note that the price of your move depends on the extent of the job: how much and how heavy your stuff are. This is the time to tell them what you don’t want in the moving truck such as the things meant for charity or what will be left for the new home owners. It is critical that that you understand this monetary figure, so there are no unnecessary surprises when billing time comes.

Be Wary of Those Asking for a Large Deposit

A respected company won’t ask for cash and will certainly not ask for a large deposit before rendering their services to you. Take note that if you pay in advance, you will lose control and your leverage over the company. It would be easy for them to runaway with your money and take all your belongings. Steer clear of moving companies that do this. These are major red flags.

Talk About Packing Costs

If you opt to pack the items in boxes yourself, you may save on the inflated prices of packing supplies that the mover may charge you. However, this method generally means your items will not be covered by the movers for possible damage. It will be worth it to go for a full service because they know best how to keep your items protected while in transit.

Avoid Hidden Charges

Discuss all the additional fees that the company may charge you upfront. Some put a levy if you live in a high rise or multi-floor home. Ask ahead for all the possible surcharges. A reputable moving company in Iowa will tell you all these details.

Never Sign a Blank Contract

A professional moving company will have everything in writing from estimates and any possible extra fees. It will include their specific services, including the pick-up and delivery dates of your things. All your belongings that they will handle will be listed in this contract. Remember: be thorough because you cannot file for an insurance claim for something that isn’t in the contract. Most of all make sure that your contract is binding, so that they cannot charge you for more than what is written in the paperwork.

Now that you’ve finally ironed out all the details, it is time to get yourself ready for the big moving day. To avoid any hassles, stay on top of everything. Make sure you are there when the movers come to pack your things and when the time comes that they have to unload it. Workers generally perform better when they know watchful eyes are upon them.